Application Timeline Estimator

See a realistic month-by-month path from where you are now to departure, based on your visa pathway and current stage.

NCL stage durations - updated 6 Oct 2026

These are typical durations, not a guarantee - actual processing times vary by intake season, embassy workload, and how quickly your own documents and exams are completed.

Visa / pathway type

Student Visa (Language School)Specified Skilled Worker (SSW / 特定技能)Caregiver Scholarship Track

Current stage

Japanese language prep (N5 basics)Language school applicationCertificate of Eligibility (COE) processingVisa application at embassy/consulatePre-departure preparation

Estimated time to departure

9 months

Month 0-3
Japanese language prep (N5 basics)
You are here
Building foundational Japanese before applying.
Month 3-4
Language school application
Submitting school application and required documents.
Month 4-7
Certificate of Eligibility (COE) processing
Immigration Services Agency reviews and issues the COE.
Month 7-8
Visa application at embassy/consulate
Submitting the COE and visa application in Sri Lanka.
Month 8-9
Pre-departure preparation
Flights, housing arrangements, and final paperwork.